The 2025 Fiji National Rugby League Women’s (FNRLW) Premiership season is kicking off with a positive surge in interest, marked by the addition of five new teams, which has intensified the competition in both the Eastern and Western regions. Ema Levaci, the NRL in-country manager, expressed optimism about the growth of women’s rugby league, noting the strong performance of the recently introduced Veiyasana Knights, Nabua Broncos, Nadera Panthers, Saru Dragons, and Namuaniwaqa Eagles.
The competition format requires each team to face one another twice across two rounds, with the top five teams from the East and top three from the West qualifying for the quarter-finals on September 13, leading up to the semi-finals on September 20 and the grand final on September 27. Although the venues have yet to be confirmed, Levaci acknowledged the significant challenge of ensuring that venues and facilities meet the necessary standards and expectations for safety and equality in sports.
This year’s competition also aims to serve as a vital stepping stone in developing local players for the Fiji national women’s rugby league team, the Fiji Bulikula. Levaci reiterated the goal of cultivating a clear pathway for young female athletes, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in supporting and nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
The growing interest in women’s rugby in Fiji complements previous reports of expanding participation and skill levels, particularly highlighted by successful teams such as the Lami Steelers. With the introduction of initiatives like the “Rise Program,” aimed at young women aged 18-21, the landscape for women’s rugby league in Fiji is vibrant, with promising opportunities for Fijian girls and women to compete both locally and internationally.
As the season unfolds, communities and supporters are looking forward to thrilling matches, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm surrounding women’s rugby league in Fiji and inspiring a new generation of female athletes to take up the sport.
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